Suspected Cultists Arrested By Army Personnel in Abia State

No fewer than 21 suspected cultists have been arrested at Umudike in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, by soldiers of the 145 Battalion deployed to Umuahia, Abia State.

According to the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 14 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Ohafia, Major Oyegoke Gbadamosi, the suspects were arrested following intelligence gathered about their operations.
He said the suspects who are between the ages of 18 and 25 were sighted in the bushes around Umudike in Ikwuano L.G.A, throughout the night of October 15 for an alleged meeting of initiation.

“Based on the information received, the troops of the Forward Operation Base, Obot Akara swung into action and apprehended 21 suspected cult members which include one Brown Christian and 20 others. The suspects are presently undergoing preliminary investigation and thereafter, will be handed over to the Police for further investigation and possible prosecution”, Gbadamosi said.

In a related development, soldiers of 144 Battalion on routine patrol on Uka Egbu Street in Aba North, have smashed a gang of three suspected armed robbers on October 15.

The Army spokesperson said the suspects, sighting the patrol team, escaped to an unknown destination and abandoned one locally-made single-barreled pistol, one locally-made revolver pistol, three live rounds of 9mm ammunition and three empty cases of 9mm ammunition.

He added that one tricycle with Reg. No. ESA 036 VC and a bag containing their personal belongings were also recovered, adding that efforts have been intensified to arrest members of the gang.